Simon Ford's Website

Holiday!

I’m back and had a wonderful holiday visiting both Japan and Australia, and feel very relaxed for it.

The first week was in Tokyo, staying in Shibuya (our hotel was right next to the famous busy crossing).

The language barrier helped add to the interest of ordering food, and it was really great every night. Other highlights were exploring the depths Akihabara (gadgets and electronics) and going to Sumo; highly recommended.

We then moved to Australia and spent a few days in the Hunter Valley cycling around vineyards, tasting wine and eating great food. Hard work and not really setup for cycling (I didn’t see anyone else doing it!), but great fun. Just watch out for dive bombing magpies that seem to like the reflective helmets.

Then off to Sydney to stay with Matt and Jen in Manly. My new claim to fame: I’ve been to Alf’s surf shack.

Then up to Airlie Beach where we boarded Pacific Sunrise for a few days sailing around the Whitsunday islands. The best thing about this trip was that you had to think about absolutely nothing. You told when you were going to eat, walk, snorkel, swim and do nothing. Excellent!

And then back down to stay with Pete and Amanda for some more fun in Sydney. Did the bridge, zoo and saw Daniel Kitson in the opera house. Quality!